Where is Sonakanda Fort located?
Sonakanda Fort stands on the eastern bank of the Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj, Bangladesh.
Questions about Sonakanda Fort
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who built Sonakanda Fort?
Historians believe Sonakanda Fort was built by Mir Jumla II, the Mughal Subahdar, or governor, of Bengal, who ordered its construction to defend Dhaka and Narayanganj from pirates.
When was Sonakanda Fort built?
The exact year Sonakanda Fort was built has never been confirmed. Historians place the start of construction between 1660 and 1663 AD, after Mir Jumla II was appointed governor of Bengal in 1660 AD.
Why was Sonakanda Fort built?
Sonakanda Fort was built to defend Dhaka and Narayanganj from river pirates. It was one of three river forts Mir Jumla II ordered built around Dhaka for that purpose.
How big is Sonakanda Fort?
Sonakanda Fort is quadrangular in plan, measuring 86.56 by 57 metres, with defensive walls 3.05 metres high and an octagonal bastion at each of its four corners.
Why does legend link Sonakanda Fort's name to a crying princess?
Legend says the fort's name comes from Princess Swarnamoyee, who was said to have cried inside a tent at the fort for several days after her father refused to take her back. Sona is said to echo her name, and kanda is the Bengali word for crying.